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Design Progress Indicators Correctly

Feedback & States · status

Updated 2026-07-28

Progress indicators exist to answer one question:

"How close am I to finished?"

Use the right pattern:

Linear progress:

When order matters.

Steps:

When stages are meaningful.

Percentage:

When progress is measurable.

Loading animation:

When timing is unknown.

Avoid fake precision:

A fake 73% creates distrust.

Show progress only when it reduces uncertainty.
Progress is not decoration. It is reassurance.

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